Congratulations go to Spain for a well-earned victory over Germany. Even before they scored, they seemed to me to be in control of the game--very impressive since that's something you normally associate with Germany. I'm looking forward to the Spain-Netherlands final and the crowning of a first-time Cup winner.

"May the hinges of friendship never rust, nor the wings of love lose a feather"--Scottish blessing

The best you can ask of the third place game is that it be entertaining and strongly contested, and today's was 2 for 2 in that regard. There was some sloppiness here and there--probably due to playing conditions--but both sides gave a good, offense-minded effort. Germany, even without Klose, Podolski or Lamm, had too much in the end, but Uruguay literally played to the last gasp, with Forlan hitting the bar in stoppage time in an effort to equalize.

Now, on to the final.

"May the hinges of friendship never rust, nor the wings of love lose a feather"--Scottish blessing

Half time for the final. Not too pleased with the Netherlands' playing right now- not much control with the ball, and they've essentially given it away a couple times to the Spanish.Both sides are taking dives- a part of international soccer that I abhor. I've never been one to milk out fouls, and when I watch good players, like Robben (who's footwork is eye candy. He has beautiful precision with the ball.) take a dive, it ruins the game.Neither side is playing well. Bad passing, lack of control, dives, and interesting fouls (Spartan kick to the chest- funny but painful.). Hopefully the next half will be better.

Praise to Andres Iniesta for a wonderful winning goal, and for saving us all from another Final going to penalties. He'd been looking dangerous for quite some time and finally broke through. Other than that, and a couple of nice saves by Casillas in one-on-one situations, not a terribly memorable Final.

And yes, de Jong absolutely should have been sent off for his "studs to the sternum" tackle on Xabi Alonso in the first half.

"May the hinges of friendship never rust, nor the wings of love lose a feather"--Scottish blessing

^^Why? I mean, addmittedly, everyone played dirty, Netherlands having more fouls but Spain taking more dives (Have I mentioned I hate diving? Woosies.). But it was fun to watch. Spain's passing in the second half was brilliant, and watching Robben dribble makes me insanely jealous.

I wish Iniesta hadn't scored. He was faking a lot of hurts, the wuss. You shouldn't dive, just roll right over and keep on attacking, preferably with an angry face on. *shakes head* Both sides were wimping out, but Spain was doing it the most.I still think Spain needs to star in a Pantene commerical.